25 Common Beliefs That Are Totally Wrong

Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis

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Knuckle Cracking and Arthritis The warning that cracking knuckles leads to arthritis has scared people for years. Good news—studies show no link between this habit and joint disease or lasting harm. That popping noise comes from gas bubbles escaping synovial fluid, the joint’s lubricant. Stretching or pulling fingers lowers pressure, releasing the gas with a snap.

While harmless for most, overdoing it might cause minor swelling or weaker grip temporarily, but it’s not tied to arthritis. The myth probably started from the sound annoying others, but cracking knuckles won’t ruin your hands.